(PCC) Program on Chinese Cities – Thoughts on Overseas Travels Series
Authors: Jia Liu,
Visiting Scholar, Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. liujia0088.163@outlook.com
Inspired and guided by my teachers, and through online media and continual learning, I began to explore how the public libraries of Salt Lake City, Denver, and Vancouver—both architectural marvels and community hubs—have used design to become cultural landmarks and pioneers in the digital age. This sparked a keen interest in the innovative design and community functions of North American public libraries. I subsequently embarked on a library tour across North and South Carolina, visiting public libraries in Columbia, Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh. After days of walking and deep reflection, I gained a deeper understanding of the public value of “reading” and “cultural space.”
At Richland Library in the City of Columbia, I witnessed an “experiment” in “cultural governance.” This library is not merely a place to read; it is a public living room for community dialogue, a laboratory for creative incubation, and a source of urban cultural revitalization. Through forward-looking architectural design, community-oriented services, and digital literacy programs, Richland Library demonstrates how public libraries can cultivate urban culture and lead the digital future amid global trends of urbanization and digitization. Using Richland Library as the primary case, and drawing on field observations and in-depth analysis, this article examines how its design drives cultural renewal, digital equity, and community cohesion.
1 Richland Library Overview: A Hub of Culture and Innovation in Columbia
Richland Library is the public library system of Richland County, South Carolina, with 11 branches. Its Main Library is located in downtown Columbia and is known for its diverse, innovative services, social impact, and community building. Beginning in 1896 as a private charitable organization, Richland Library has transformed from a traditional book repository into a modern community center. In 2001, it was named “National Library of the Year” by Library Journal【founded in 1876, a professional publication for library workers covering industry news, reviews, and trends】and the Gale Group【a globally authoritative reference publisher】, in recognition of its innovative services, outstanding staff, and strong community support—highlighting the importance of public libraries in contemporary society. One key to its success is design—not only architectural design but also the innovative design of programs, events, and classes. Together, these forms of design shape the library’s role as an urban cultural landmark and a leader of the digital future.
As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia combines historical depth with modern vitality and played an important role in the Civil War. In recent years, its downtown revitalization has attracted creative industries and tech startups, reflecting the rise of a “New South” city. Against this backdrop, Richland Library has led the modernization of urban cultural spaces and become the cultural and social center of Columbia.
2 Distinctive Design: From Quiet Repository to Open Creative Ground
2.1 Inclusive Architecture and Cultural Expression
The Main Library was designed by architect Eugene Aubry and opened in 1993; it was renovated in 2019 by the Boudreaux architecture firm, which introduced the concept of “Library as Studio.” This concept emphasizes spatial flexibility and multifunctionality, positioning the library not only as a reading venue but also as a platform for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. The renovated Main Library moves beyond the closed image of traditional libraries, adopting high ceilings, expansive glass curtain walls, and open layouts to create bright, transparent, multifunctional spaces and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere (Figure 2). New additions include study areas, meeting rooms, a podcast studio, and workforce training rooms to meet the diverse needs of residents (Figure 3).
The renovated children’s reading area is one of the design highlights of the Main Library. The space features a mural based on Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are—the only public art display in the world authorized by Sendak himself. Using warm colors and dreamlike lines to depict forests and “wild things,” and combined with tree installations (interactive structures simulating a forest scene), the area creates an immersive reading environment (Figure 4). Children can read, play, or listen to stories “in the forest,” sparking curiosity and creativity. This fusion of art and education draws children’s attention and inspires a love of reading.
Also in Columbia, the Edgewood branch of Richland Library opened to the public on December 15, 2018, filling a gap of more than 40 years without library service in that area. The branch measures 7,000 square feet (≈650 m²) and includes spaces for children and teens, a makerspace, an oral history room, and meeting rooms. It offers free Wi-Fi and STEAM education to support diverse community needs. The design reflects respect for the African American community: the exterior façade is inspired by patterns associated with African American heritage; interior spaces feature a “history wall” (displaying community photos and stories) to record cultural heritage and reflect local history, thereby strengthening belonging through art and history. The street-facing side uses large expanses of transparent glass to facilitate community interaction and openness; a shaded porch matches the architectural character of nearby residences (Figure 5).
Image credit: https://studio2lr.com/portfolio_page/richland-library-edgewood/
2.2 Awards and Recognition
The renovated Main Library has received multiple honors for its innovative design, including an AIA South Carolina Design Award of Merit (2020), the Columbia Chamber’s Golden Nail Award (2021) for contributions to downtown revitalization, and an AIA Columbia Interior Architecture Honor Award (2022), reflecting excellence in both design and community impact.
3 Community Impact: From Library to Community Center
3.1 Innovative Design of Social Services
Since 2016, Richland Library has hosted a Social Work Department staffed by professional social workers who provide non-traditional services.
(1) Health and Social Support: Social workers assist residents in applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help low-income families access food support, housing assistance, and veterans’ benefits, and alleviate economic pressure.
(2) Education and Employment Guidance: Guidance for students and families in Columbia and surrounding areas on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as support such as legal aid and workforce training. Service targets include high school students, adult learners, and residents pursuing continuing education.
(3) Community-Building Services: Do Good Columbia is an innovative community engagement initiative launched by Richland Library. This two-day community problem-solving workshop, begun in 2017, focuses on different community issues (e.g., housing insecurity, river use, emergency response). Each session recruits 75–100 participants from diverse backgrounds (including government employees, educators, business owners, and people experiencing homelessness) to discuss in groups, brainstorm, and propose creative solutions, jointly developing a roadmap for emergency response. The project aims to promote community resilience and service innovation through collaborative design, demonstrating the library’s role as a platform for community participation and offering a replicable model for other libraries.
(4) Crisis Response: During COVID-19, the library used teleconferencing technology【compared with Zoom or Webex, which require high-speed internet, teleconferencing needs only a phone, lowering technical barriers for rural and low-income groups】and “virtual town halls” to host numerous outreach events. For example, in partnership with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the library invited experts to speak about vaccine issues and directly address public concerns.
By integrating social work into library services, Richland Library has redefined the function of public libraries, transforming them into a “meso-level resource”【typically community-based, emphasizing the role of local institutions, organizations, or networks in integrating resources, coordinating services, and fostering social capital】for community health that supports residents’ overall well-being.
3.2 Cultural Programs and Place Identity
Through art exhibitions (such as the Wachovia [Wachovia] Gallery and public art projects) and an Artist-in-Residence Program, Richland Library showcases the work of artists who live in Columbia and surrounding areas (i.e., Richland County or the broader Midlands region [Midlands]). It is committed to promoting and supporting creators closely connected with the local community to enhance Columbia’s cultural vitality and sense of place.
For example, the Wachovia Gallery at the Main Library (now renamed the “Richland Library Gallery”) regularly exhibits works by South Carolina artists, spanning painting (such as the recent ROOTED exhibition, Figure 6), sculpture (including works by American artists Blue Sky and Jean McWhorter), photography, and mixed media. The exhibitions are free and open to the public, aiming to increase the visibility and accessibility of local art and to attract diverse audiences, thereby broadening cultural participation among residents. Opening on April 11, ROOTED is one of the key shows of Artista Vista, Columbia’s annual arts event. It highlights works by local artists from the Midlands, showcasing local cultural vitality and creativity. The exhibition underscores Columbia’s cultural characteristics and community stories, helping to strengthen residents’ sense of belonging.
In addition, the library hosts a “Writer-in-Residence” program, inviting local writers, actors, and scholars to give talks and run writing workshops to enhance cultural participation. It also organizes an annual arts festival featuring music performances, theater, and visual arts to attract families and young people and foster intergenerational exchange.
For instance, on April 19, the library’s large event room on the first floor hosted the “Family Story Celebration,” featuring picture-book author Vashti Harrison, who shared her award-winning work BIG【a story about a girl who faces judgments about her body and regains confidence and courage through self-acceptance and self-love. The book not only won the Caldecott Medal but also received Coretta Scott King Honors and appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list】(Figures 7 and 8). The event conveyed values of self-acceptance and diversity, sparked children’s interest in reading, and attracted diverse families. The library’s ample natural light and open design provided a comfortable environment for participants and gave children the chance to interact face-to-face with a renowned author—demonstrating the library’s active role in promoting children’s reading, community cultural activities, and inclusivity.
3.3 Community Cohesion and Racial Integration
As a “third place” (a social venue that is neither home nor workplace), Richland Library offers a shared platform for residents from diverse backgrounds. The A.S. Salley Special Collections are central to local identity, documenting South Carolina’s history from the colonial era to the 20th century, including civil-rights archives and genealogical materials. Through exhibitions, genealogy workshops, and school partnerships, the library integrates these historical resources into community education, boosting pride in local culture. Programs at the Edgewood branch are particularly engaging for the African American community. First, during Black History Month, the branch hosted storytelling programs: in 2021, stories of African American oral traditions were shared via Facebook Live, drawing diverse audiences. Second, the branch’s oral-history project records community narratives—such as civil-rights experiences—to strengthen cultural pride. Third, health talks address specific health issues within the African American community, providing information on mental health and vaccines. These activities use cultural expression and dialogue to bridge racial and socioeconomic divides and foster community cohesion.
4 The Digital Future: Technology Enablement and Innovative Education
4.1 Digital Resources and Accessibility
Richland Library provides free Wi-Fi, public computers, and digital platforms (e-book and audiobook collections, online video resources), ensuring that low-income residents and immigrants can access information. Its digital collections include South Carolina historical archives that preserve local cultural heritage. These resources support remote learning for students and career development for adults, narrowing the digital divide.
4.2 STEAM Programs and Makerspaces
The children’s and teen learning areas at Richland Library embody the concept of “the library as a community growth space,” emphasizing not only functionality but also artistry and inclusivity to create environments where children and teens can explore, learn, and grow. For example: (1) the makerspace is equipped with 3D printers and VR devices to support 3D modeling, robotics programming, and multimedia production, providing hands-on opportunities for ages 12–18 (Figure 9); (2) the library collaborates with the MIT Media Lab, using the Scratch platform and PLIX (Public Library Innovation Exchange) activity guides to design STEAM courses and robotics workshops suitable for ages 12–18. In 2023, the robotics challenge at the Ballentine branch drew 50 teens; (3) workforce training programs—in partnership with the Richland Two Student Innovation Center—offer AI and app-development courses to strengthen residents’ employment competitiveness. These programs are free and particularly benefit low-income and African American youth (with students of color supported through the Ethel Bolden Minority Scholarship).
4.3 The AI Era and Information Literacy
Through programs similar to “Super Searchers,” Richland Library teaches residents how to recognize AI bias and misleading information. Although specific course details are not publicly available, the library aims to help users make informed judgments in an era of information overload. By providing free technology resources and education, the library seeks to break down barriers to digital access and ensure equity in the digital future.
5 Conclusion and Implications
The case of Richland Library reveals how public libraries can use design to cultivate urban culture and a digital future.
(1) Inclusive architectural design: Open, flexible spaces help create an atmosphere of social integration and exchange.
(2) Innovative service design: Integrating social work and health services goes beyond traditional functions.
(3) Future-oriented digital design: STEAM programs and makerspaces empower residents, striving for equity and innovation.
The synergy of these design elements and mechanisms enables Richland Library not only to serve the present community but also to promote Columbia’s long-term economic growth and cultural prosperity. Its experience offers insights for public libraries worldwide: through human-centered design, libraries can continue to exert influence in rapidly changing urban environments.
Through innovations in architecture, services, and digital-literacy programs, Richland Library demonstrates the usefulness of public libraries in cultivating urban culture and leading the digital future. Its open spaces, cultural activities, and social services have strengthened Columbia’s community cohesion and cultural vitality, while digital resources and technology training equip residents for the AI era. In the context of global urbanization and digitization, Richland Library’s case proves the power of design—not only architectural or technological design, but also the design of community empowerment and social inclusion. As library scholar R. David Lankes puts it, “Great libraries build communities.” Other public libraries can draw inspiration from this example, embedding themselves in urban life to become nodes of cultural dissemination, symbols of city identity, and incubators of innovation—truly becoming a “spiritual landmark” for everyone.